wadi rum desert dreams
Your trusted travel partner in Wadi Rum
my life story
Bakhir ALzalabieh
My name is Bakhir Al Zalabieh, I belong to the Al Zalabieh tribe which is one of the seven tribes in Wadi Rum. My ancestors have lived in the Wadi Rum desert for centuries, leading a nomadic life in simple tents, relying on their goat herds. We are called Bedouins “nomadic Arabs of the desert”. Over the years the Bedouins started moving into houses in the Wadi Rum Village, but most of us also still have traditional tents in the desert.
The Bedouins are known for their hospitality. This tradition of generous hospitality goes back to ancient times in the Middle East, where travelling traders needed to rely on the kindness of strangers. Even to this day, hospitality is very important to us. We treat our tourists as family and love to share our culture and customs.
When I was young, I saw more and more tourists visit our desert. From an early age I was very curious about those foreign people who spoke a strange language. In the beginning I was very shy and scared. I remember when I only dared to say hello, and then I ran away. But through interaction with tourists, my English got better, and I started to be more confident and enjoyed it more.
My father and grandfather played a big role in developing tourism in Wadi Rum. I started working with them when I was about 10 years old. I helped with the work around the camp, such as cleaning and helping the cook prepare dinner. My uncle who did camel rides with tourists, taught me how to work with the camels and how to take care of them. When I was about 15 years old, I rode along with the jeep tours and learned how to drive myself. I also often went along when my family went hiking or climbing with tourists.
After years of experience, I started my own business Wadi Rum Desert Dreams. I think I know well what tourists want, and I love to make people happy with an unforgettable experience. I am proud of my heritage, and I enjoy giving tourists a glimpse into my Bedouin life. I can speak English well, but I can't write it. That's why I started working with Laura, who came to the desert as a tourist, but is now my partner in business and life. Because of her help, I can fully focus on working with the tourists in the desert, while she takes care of the online business. We are happy to be your trusted travel agency in Jordan.
Read Laura’s story here
The dream team
At Wadi Rum Desert Dreams, we are more than just a travel agency – we are a family sharing our passion for the desert with the world. Rooted in the traditions of our Bedouin heritage, our team is made up of close family members who have grown up surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum. Each of us brings unique skills and stories to create a truly authentic and welcoming experience for our guests. From organizing tours to preparing delicious meals in the camp, we work together seamlessly, driven by a shared love for our home and a desire to share its beauty with you.
Our family is dedicated to giving you a deeper connection to Wadi Rum through genuine Bedouin hospitality and expert knowledge. Whether guiding you to hidden gems in the desert or sharing stories around a campfire under a star-filled sky, we strive to make every moment memorable. By choosing Wadi Rum Desert Dreams, you’re not just booking a tour; you’re becoming part of our extended family, welcomed with warmth, care, and a true passion for this extraordinary place we call home.
Help us help others
We like to share our blessings. Sometimes a small gesture can mean the world to someone. With just 5 JOD you can already feed a local in need. Check out our charity to see what we do to help others.
our animation team
Wadi Rum is home to a lot of desert cats. They live a free and adventurous life. Like true nomads, they move around from place to place, and sometimes they stick around. Our camp is a family camp where everyone is welcome, animals included. Their playfulness and kind characters bring a lot of joy to our tourists. Even if you are not a cat person, it is hard to resist the charm of our cats. Their manager is our Chef. They listen to him likes he is their father. When it is dinnertime for the tourists, he calls all the cats, and they patiently wait outside until he brings them the leftovers. They are true adventurers druing the day, and cozy cuddlers at night. Their duties are:
Cuddles
Playtime
Catching insects
Eating leftovers (no waste)
meet our furry friends
Sousou, Sammy & Antar
Sousou
One day he just appeared out of nowhere. He was not used to people and often threw a tantrum. But he adjusted very fast. He spends his days wandering the mountains, and around sunset he comes to the camp for food and relaxation. He is very playful, fun and a real daredevil. A true wild desert cat that turned into a fun camp cat.
sammich
Sammich's mother was pregnant when she decided to move into our house in the village. Here, she gave birth to Sammich, who became Bakhir’s best friend. We brought him to the camp and he is living his best life. He likes to stay close to us and is very nosy and curious. He is very gentle, kind, soft and likes to cuddle.
antar
We found Antar in the parking lot, scared and alone. We took him to the camp and he ran off into the mountains. Luckily we found him back the next day. It took him some time to trust us, but he immediately got adopted by Sammy, who cleans him, gives him cuddles, and keeps him warm at night. Antar is like his little brother and follow Sammy everyone.
